Sam Leak Quartet
Sam Leak’s “Looking Glass” On The Outdoor Stage
PERFORMANCE FROM 4.00PM SATURDAY 26 AUGUST
This afternoon, London Jazz scene heavyweights Sam Leak, Nick Linnik, Flo Moore, and Laurie Lowe present a set of Jazz-infused fusion and groove music inspired by the likes of Allan Holdsworth, Weather Report, and John McLaughlin. Expect space-age textures, intense interaction, and virtuosic improvising.
From contemporary soundscapes to infectious grooves, this lineup bring something fresh to the music while maintaining a deep connection with its roots. Leak has been described by Marcus O’Dair (The Wire) as ‘one of the best pianists of his generation …astonishing,’ and between them the musicians have performed with musicians including Jordan Rakei, Derrick May, Dan Tepfer, and Robert Mitchell.
Sam Leak is a London-based Jazz pianist described by JazzFM's Helen Mayhew as 'One of the brightest stars in the Jazz piano galaxy, a heavenly improviser, and a brilliant prospect for the future.'
His eponymous 2011 debut album was listed in MOJO Magazine as one of the 'Top Ten International Releases of the Year.' The 2013 follow up, "Places," was described by the Guardian's John Fordham as 'surefooted creativity... way beyond respectful expertise,' and by BBC Music Magazine's Daniel Spicer as ‘assured and sophisticated acoustic jazz with deep roots in the tradition, that knows exactly what it's trying to do - and succeeds.’
Jamie Cullum introduced Leak's cohort as ‘the heavyweights of the British Jazz scene’ and described himself as a ‘fan’ of the band in his regular BBC broadcast. In 2018 Leak released 'Adrift,' a duet with New York's Dan Tepfer, a long-time collaborator of legendary veteran saxophonist Lee Konitz.
Of this album, The Wire's Marcus O'Dair has said: “Sam Leak and Dan Tepfer are two of the best pianists of their generation, and their convergence on this recording is astonishing.” The New York City Jazz Record have described it as "magical" and "constantly evolving and engaging."
From contemporary soundscapes to infectious grooves, this lineup bring something fresh to the music while maintaining a deep connection with its roots.
Leak has been described by Marcus O’Dair (The Wire) as ‘one of the best pianists of his generation …astonishing,’ and between them the musicians have performed with musicians including Jordan Rakei, Derrick May, Dan Tepfer, and Robert Mitchell.
The Line Up Is: Sam Leak: Piano/Keys/Synth/Nick Linnik: Guitar/Flo Moore: Electric Bass/Laurie Lowe: Drums
"The Royal Academy of Music's jazz programme has produced a remarkable crop of newcomers in recent times: notably the Mercury-nominated pianists Gwilym Simcock and Kit Downes. Now comes Sam Leak, an artist of comparable promise...Leak is a subtle storyteller who keeps the grooves and colours changing." - John Fordham
★★★★- All About Jazz ★★★★ - Jazzwise Magazine
“The music is magical... constantly evolving and engaging.” - The New York City Jazz Record
★★★★ "Multi-faceted and smart as a pin...of a very high order" - MOJO
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND THANK OUR PARTNERS OF THE FREE MUSIC PROGRAMME FOR THEIR SUPPORT:
KINO CINEMA RYE , JAKE'S DRINKS , BALFOUR WINERY , PHILLPS & STUBBS , THE RYE RETREAT , BRAMLEY & TEAL HOLIDAY COTTAGES , WILSON WILSON & HANCKOCK , CARDINUS RISK MANGENMENT , JEMPSONS SUPERMARKETS , ROTHER DISTRICT COUNCIL , PARKER BUILDING SUPPLIES , HERINGTONS SOLICITORS , ARTHUR C TOWNER , SUSSEX PLUMBING SUPPLIES , EAST SUSSEX COUNTY COUNCIL , LAYFIELD'S , SENATE CONSULTING , CINQUE PORTS RADIO .
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